Loran Smith named Grady College Dean’s Medal recipient
A man synonymous with Georgia football and broadcasting, Loran Smith (ABJ ’62), has been named the recipient of the Dean’s Medal, the highest honor given at Grady College.
“Loran Smith, one of the grandest Bulldogs of them all, represents Grady College in ways large and small, through acts of kindness, countless connections and introductions, and of course, with a timely plug on the Bulldog pregame show on the radio,” Charles N. Davis, dean of Grady College, said. “There’s nothing Loran won’t do for the college. The Dean’s Medal recognizes those who consistently go above and beyond to make Grady College shine—no one does it better than Loran Smith.”
The Dean’s Medal will be presented to Smith during “Grady Salutes: A Celebration of Achievement, Commitment and Leadership” on April 28, 2017.
Anyone growing up watching UGA football in the 70s, 80s and 90s knows the ubiquitous broadcast handoff, “Whatcha got, Loran,” passing the broadcast airwaves from Larry Munson to his colleague, Loran Smith. Smith is most known for his sideline broadcasts with Munson that spanned almost 35 years. Smith originated the football coaches’ locker room show in the 1970s, the first live locker room show in the SEC. In 1974, he became Georgia’s first sideline announcer. He also originated the popular Tailgate Show in 1984. He was executive producer of the football coaches weekly TV show for more than 35 years.
In February, the lobby of the new University of Georgia Indoor Practice Facility was dedicated to Smith and his wife, Myrna.
Smith has also served the University of Georgia Athletic Association as assistant sports information director, business manager and executive director of the Georgia Bulldogs Clubs.
Smith’s weekly radio show, “Sports Conversations,” is currently broadcast on more than 45 stations in Georgia and his daily radio show, “Two Minute Drill,” airs on more than 30 stations in the state.
Smith is also a syndicated columnist for the Athens Banner-Herald and more than 20 papers throughout the state of Georgia. He has authored or co-authored more than 17 books including “Glory, Glory” with Lewis Grizzard, “Dooley’s Dawgs” with Vince Dooley and “A Letter to Larry: And Other Memories of Georgia’s Legendary Announcer.”
Smith was an advertising major at Grady College and served as the captain of the University of Georgia Track team in 1960.
Smith will be awarded the Dean’s Medal at Grady Salutes, an evening also recognizing the 2017 class of inductees to the Grady Fellowship and 2017 Alumni Award winners.
Registration for this event is now closed, please contact Karen Andrews, karena@uga.edu for more information.
Date: April 13, 2017Author: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu
Contact: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu